cranked up

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Once Hana gets involved in her illicit money-making scheme, the narrative changes gear, tension levels are cranked up and what started out as a straightforward study of friendship turns into a fast-paced story of survival.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

With his guitar in hand, and reverb cranked up to 11, Gonzalez joined Karol in debuting their spectral new shoegaze ballad, “Después de Ti,” which was steeped in yearning and performed entirely in Spanish.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Americans cranked up the heat, posing the biggest test of the electric grid this season.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

I hear that the British diplomatic machine cranked up at every level: involving ministers, officials and embassies.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

Among the trees, upon a lawn, someone had cranked up a portable phonograph and now it was playing softly.

From "The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury